ISRAEL INNOVATION PROJECT

FireDome, an Israeli startup inspired by Iron Dome, has developed an AI-powered system to combat wildfires. It deploys eco-friendly fire-retardant capsules to create protective barriers and uses AI to detect and extinguish spot fires. Initially designed to protect 100 acres, it aims to expand coverage to a mile, with testing in Israel set for 2025 and U.S. pilots in 2026. Backed by $3 million in funding and a $1.5 million grant, FireDome seeks to enhance wildfire response and mitigate the billions in annual wildfire damages.

A study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, published in Food Chemistry, reveals that the size of milk fat globules influences bacterial interactions, promoting beneficial bacteria like Bacillus subtilis while impacting biofilm formation. Led by Professor Nurit Argov-Argaman, the research highlights that structural properties, rather than just chemical composition, play a key role in microbial dynamics.